If Williams is unable to start, the Wolves will presumably start Corey Brewer and LaVine.

Brewer is a solid defender, but he's not quite strong enough to deal with Bryant. LaVine is a talented rookie, but he's raw defensively.

The Lakers can't let LaVine put up another career night. In November, the UCLA product hit 11 of 14 shots.

Bryant has played point guard for the Lakers down the stretch of recent games. That may be a favorable match-up against LaVine and the Wolves.

Minnesota may choose to put rookie Andrew Wiggins against Bryant, regardless of what position the Lakers All-Star lines up in offensively. Wiggins is young, but he enters the league with strong defensive talent and instincts.

X-factor

Thaddeus Young was a difficult cover for the Lakers at Staples Center. Young hit eight of 13 shots. Anthony Bennett was also solid off the bench, with 11 points on five of eight shooting.

Center Gorgui Dieng scored only four points, but he dished eight assists.

The Lakers just didn't play well defensively in their last meeting against the Wolves. If Young and Bennett score at will Sunday, the game may have a similar outcome.